Finally, Marvel confirmed yesterday that the Riddick star will be voicing Groot, the living tree, in Gunn’s forthcoming Guardians of the Galaxy, which hits theaters on August 1, 2014. Much like a Pokemon, the only thing Groot really says in the film is, well, “I am Groot!” According to Gunn’s Facebook page, that is all Diesel will be saying, but he noted that, “It is completely official. AND he’s amazing. I never knew someone could say I AM GROOT so many different ways and with such feeling (and that sounds like I’m kidding but I’m not!)”

It does sound like you’re kidding, James Gunn, but I’m going to go ahead and place my faith in you anyway. What do you guys think of Diesel’s casting? Sound off in the comments below or whisper “I am Groot” to me on Twitter.

I can’t wait for this movie. Diesel will be fantastic.
The Iron Giant is one of my all time favorite movies.

ALSO, that character model, presumably the one for the character in the film, just blows me away. DC seems to think their weird and goofy characters are only good for kicking to the curb or killing off for fun, and Marvel just keeps on showing how amazing these ideas and characters (from even the goofiest and weirdest comic properties) can really be. This character model is simply amazing. I can’t wait to see Groot and Rocket and the whole team in action.